Collectively Speaking
By Maria Weiskott -- Playthings, 3/1/2004
Steve Olin, Co-owner, Playthings Past
When Steve and Diane Olin were expecting their first child, they began a quest for the perfect antique rocking chair. At the time—the early 1960s—Steve was in the family toy business, Herbert Distributors. Little did he know then, that the pursuit of a rocker would turn into a lifelong passion for collecting toys.
"While we found the chair, which is still being used by our grandchildren, I also found my first 'antique' toy—a cast-iron, horse-drawn wagon manufactured by Kenton," Olin tells PLAYTHINGS. "Being in the toy industry, I thought that it would be nice to start a small display of antique toys in my office," he says.
Well, by the time the Olin's first child was born, the "small office display" turned into a full "toy room" in the basement of the couple's town house! "In 1968, I joined the Antique Toy Collectors of America and my hobby became official," he quips.
Initially, Olin bought a variety of toys. "I was what you'd call a generalist," he says. But as time went on, he became struck by the "beautiful graphics" on 19th century board and card games and lithograph wood toys.
"This led to my specialization in Early American game manufacturers, including McLoughlin, Milton Bradley, Parker Brothers and Bliss, to name a few," the collector tells PLAYTHINGS. Olin was so enamored by the era, in fact, that in 1979, he became one of the founding members of the American Game Collectors Association (predecessor of The Association of Game and Puzzle Collectors).
As a serious collector, Olin says he buys for "beauty and history," rather than potential market value. "When beginning collectors ask me about buying a toy for its future appreciation, I always advise them that a true collector, in my estimation, does not buy for value but rather for love. It has become a significant part of our lives and our [whole family] has a strong appreciation of the toys. We all live with our toys displayed."
Although Olin's career detoured from the toy industry when the family business closed, his love for collecting never wavered. In fact, his career has come full circle. "In the mid 1990s, Diane and I were discussing 'relaxing and enjoyable' careers to pursue after we retired." You guessed it; they turned to toys. Their venture, Playthings Past, is the result (playthingspast.com).
